Susan's table

My friend Susan, also one of my best clients, has a condo with not a lot of space. She asked me to make a coffee table that would make a statement. This is what I came up with.

Years ago as a carver, it became crystal clear to me that I could never trump what nature does everyday. These days, I try to go with the flow. If a piece of lumber has a knot- I don’t want to hide it -that’s my “feature”. I don’t really like adding butterflies, because it denigrates what nature has done. I always look for the wood that most people don’t want. In fact, I once bought three fabulous boards that were all “sisters” (cut one right after the other from the log). The retailer had written “NC” (no charge) for the area where there had been a branch, it had a hole surrounded by some loose bark. WOW! what a find. It cost me nothing for that beautiful wood. I bought it, cleaned some off the bark and then laminated it to another piece of koa that was more stable. I did the same technique for Susan’s table. If you look closely, you’ll see the holes on the top. Fun….....

i love piecies like this…its the wood all the way…..i love the wood..very beautiful…..i got some spalted oak once that way…just laying at the sawyers..he said you want this…...to him it was junk…..to me..it was gold….look forward to more of your work…..

Cathy, Your friend wanted a coffee table that made a statement and you sure delivered! Totally stunning! Your Koa bench was my favorite piece you’ve done until now. Your work is beautiful. Look forward to your next project and thanks for sharing.